GRATTAN. 207 pleas of merit for their conduct. Mr. Flood had for seven years enjoyed one of the most lucrative offices under government, which he sacrificed to his patriotism in the present hour. Mr. Grattan had never been in place; and now, that he might have come in, through his patriotism he declined i t
but the honourable tribute o f gratitude shewn t o Mr. Grattan by the vote and address o f the Commons, appears t o have been productive o f jealousy i n the breast o f Mr. Flood, and some few of his most intimate friends and admirers. The grounds o f this unfor tunate jealousy fully appeared within three days after Mr. Bagenal's motion i n favour o f Mr. Grattan; when Mr. Montgomery (of Donegal) “called the attention o f the House t o a n honourable gentleman, the best, the most able, the most indefatigable, the most sincere, that had ever sacrificed private interest t o the advantage o f his country. After such a description, h e said h e need not name Mr. Flood; who had relinquished the most lucrative offices o f the state, rather than desert the con stitution o f Ireland: and, a s h e knew the present admi nistration intended t o raise i t s glory, b y acting o n the most liberal principles o f freedom, h e gave notice, that h e did intend t o move for a n address t o his majesty, that h e would b e graciously pleased t o restore the Right Hon. Henry Flood t o the office h e lately held, and i n this h e hoped for the concurrence o f the minister. He would not, h e said, move for any pecuniary reward, a s h e knew the right hon. gentleman i n question was above receiving any alms from his country.” He was called upon t o name a day; but Colonel Fitzpatrick having observed, that the place o f Mr. Flood was n o longer vacant, when, after some desultory observations, Mr. Montgomery abandoned his intention. On the 28th o f October, 1783, o n the motion o f Sir Henry Cavendish, o n the subject o f retrenchment, which was supported b y Mr. Flood, and opposed b y Mr. Grattan, the debate became s o personal and overheated between these two rival orators, that they were both ordered into
